Nashville Pride Unveils 2024 Parade Grand Marshals and Key Award Recipients
On May 23, 2024, Nashville Pride, a leading LGBTQ+ organization in the country music capital, publicized the distinguished individuals chosen to serve as Grand Marshals for the 2024 parade: rising country singer Brooke Eden, and community leaders Marisa Richmond, Brian Sullivan, and Dahron Johnson.
A Pioneering Parade
The annual Nashville Pride Parade has been arranged for the weekend of June 22nd and 23rd at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. With inaugural activities at Broadway and 8th Avenue, the parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, and promises to be an inclusive event for the public and free of cost.
The grand pageant will display over 140 entries inclusive of marchers, floats, vehicles, marching bands, and much more, portraying the vibrant diversity and indomitable spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.
Spotlighting Award Recipients
Additionally, Nashville Pride will bestow the Pride Trailblazer Award upon Tina Louise and Mr. Charlie Brown (Posthumously). Emily April Allen is the chosen one for the Philanthropic Business Award while Michelle Sciarappa will receive the Pride Community Award.
An Insight into the Grand Marshals
- Brooke Eden, a fiery country star and one of the proud faces of the CMT’s Next Women of Country, has used her journey towards self-acceptance and pride to inspire her music.
- Dr. Marisa Richmond, a member of the Metro Historical Commission and the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Excellence, Equity, and Economic Opportunities for Black Americans, has dedicated many years of her life as the President and Lobbyist for the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition.
- Dahron Johnson, a clinically-trained chaplain and a licensed minister in the United Church of Christ, has been residing in Nashville for 20 years, and actively engaged in various community groups including the Kennedy Center, the Program for LGBTQ+ Health at VUMC, and Neighbor 2 Neighbor.
- Brian Sullivan, the Nashville Co-Chair of the Tennessee Equality Project and an Executive Board Member of the Prevention Alliance of Tennessee, has been acknowledged as a Nashville Emerging Leader of the Year for his significant contributions to the Middle Tennessee community.
A Peep into the Pride Festival
The Nashville Pride Festival is the integral part of the LGBTQ+ community’s summer calendar. Spectators can enjoy the vibrant celebratory event by availing a day pass for $10 or a weekend pass for $15.
The announcement of the grand marshals and award recipients exhibits the commitment of Nashville Pride in promoting diversity, acceptance, and equal rights in the community, aligning with their mission to celebrate and affirm every person’s individuality.
